Canada imposes additional sanctions on individuals associated with Myanmar’s military regime

January 31, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

As we reach the 1-year anniversary of the coup in Myanmar, the country’s political and humanitarian situation continues to have significant impacts on the most vulnerable throughout the entire region and remains a threat to international peace and security.

Following reports of appalling violations of humanitarian law, escalations in violence, and the lack of tangible progress being made toward a peaceful resolution, Canada is taking coordinated action with its international partners and allies to bring human rights violators in Myanmar to account.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced additional sanctions against three individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations in response to the Myanmar military’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and their calls for democracy. These sanctions target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation.

A year after the coup, the military regime has shown no sign of reversing course. Canada’s announcement of additional measures is being coordinated with those of the United Kingdom and the United States and underscores the international community’s collective resolve to put increased pressure on the military to initiate genuine and inclusive political dialogue to end the crisis. They also reinforce Canada’s call to all countries to suspend all operational support for Myanmar’s military and to cease the transfer of arms, material, dual-use equipment and technical assistance to Myanmar’s military and its representatives. Taken together, these measures will hinder the military leadership’s ability to operate.

The imposition of these measures is consistent with Canada’s support for the rules-based international order and international peace and security, as well as with its continued commitment to supporting democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar as requested by its people.

With today’s announcement of additional measures, Canada now has 73 individuals and 58 entities listed under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations, for a total of 131 listings.